Carton and blank therefor

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles and a blank (210) for forming the carton. The carton may have at least one display window (D) for presentation of an article therein. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall (224A, 222A), a first side wall, abase wall, and a second side wall. The carton comprises a bottom opening (A2) defined, at least, in the bottom wall (224B, 222B). The bottom opening is vertically aligned with the at least one article when the at least one article is received in the carton such that the at least one article is accessible through the bottom opening to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom wall.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier having a display window for presentation of an article therein.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an article carrier having a display window for displaying an article within the carrier, wherein the orientation of the article can be adjusted whilst within the carrier.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels including: at least one bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and at least two end panels. The carton comprises a partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion. At least one lateral divider is hingedly connected to the partition wall and extends to one of the front and back panels. The at least one lateral divider is spaced apart from the least two end panels to divide one of the front and back portions into at least two article-receiving spaces or cells. The at least one lateral divider comprises a first flap and a second flap. The first flap is formed at least in part from the partition wall. The second flap is struck from the one of the front and back panels to define a window in the one of the front and back panels. The second flap is hingedly connected to the one of the front and back panels and extends towards the partition wall. The first flap comprises a securing portion attached to the second flap in face contacting relationship thereto. The first flap comprises a bevelled portion hingedly connected to the securing portion and extending to the partition wall. The bevelled portion is hingedly connected to the partition wall and is disposed obliquely to the securing portion and to the partition wall.

A second aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure and a bottom wall for closing the lower end of the tubular structure. The tubular structure includes: a first end wall, a first side wall, a second end wall and a second side wall. The carton comprises a display window defined at least in the first side wall for display of at least one article and a bottom opening defined, at least, in the bottom wall. The bottom opening is vertically aligned with the at least one article when the at least one article is received in the carton such that the at least one article is accessible through the bottom opening to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom wall.

Optionally, the bottom opening is vertically aligned substantially with the display window.

Optionally, the tubular structure comprises an open upper end.

Optionally, the carton is a basket-style carrier.

Optionally, the carton comprises a partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion, the partition wall extending through the open upper end.

Optionally, the carton comprises at least one article having a top end, wherein the partition wall comprises an upper end disposed at an elevation above open upper end and above top end of the at least one article.

Optionally, the at least one article comprises a top closure defining the top end of the article.

Optionally, the carton is a crate-style carrier.

Optionally, the carton comprises a top wall which fully closes the open end of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the carton comprises a partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion and at least one lateral divider hingedly connected to the partition wall and extending to one of the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the least two end walls to divide one of the front and back portions into at least two article-receiving spaces. The at least one lateral divider comprises a first flap and a second flap. The first flap is formed at least in part from the partition wall and the second flap is struck from the one of the first and second side walls to define a window in the one of the first and second side walls. The second flap is hingedly connected to the one of the first and second side walls and extends towards the partition wall. The first flap comprises a securing portion attached to the second flap in face contacting relationship and a bevelled portion hingedly connected to the securing portion and extending to the partition wall. The bevelled portion is hingedly connected to the partition wall and is disposed obliquely to the securing portion and to the partition wall.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a base wall, and a second side wall. The blank comprises a display window defined in at least the first side wall for display of at least one article. A bottom opening is defined in at least the base wall to access said at least one article to raise and lower the elevation thereof such that the upper portion of said at least one article is movable upward and downward through the top opening.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a carton which walls extends at least partially around an interior of the carton in asset up condition. The plurality of panels including: at least one bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and at least two end panels. The blank comprises a partition wall for dividing the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion. At least one lateral divider is hingedly connected to the partition wall and is configured to extend to one of the front and back panels. The at least one lateral divider is arranged to be spaced apart from the least two end panels to divide one of the front and back portions into at least two article-receiving spaces or cells in a set up condition. The at least one lateral divider comprises a first flap and a second flap. The first flap is formed at least in part from the partition wall. The second flap is struck from the one of the front and back panels to define, at least in part, a window in the one of the front and back panels. The second flap is hingedly connected to the one of the front and back panels and is configured to extend towards the partition wall. The first flap comprises a securing portion arranged to be attached to the second flap in face contacting relationship thereto. The first flap comprises a bevelled portion hingedly connected to the securing portion and configured to extend to the partition wall. The bevelled portion is hingedly connected to the partition wall and is arranged to be disposed obliquely to the securing portion and to the partition wall in setup condition.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a bottom panel for closing the lower end of the tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first end wall panel, a first side wall panel, a second end wall panel and a second side wall panel. The blank comprises a display window defined at least in the first side wall panel for display of at least one article and a bottom opening defined, at least, in the bottom panel. The bottom opening is vertically aligned with the display window such that in set up condition an article is accessible through the bottom opening to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom wall.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 in which a displayed article has been manipulated within the carton such that its orientation is adjustable;

FIG. 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view from above of a portion of the carton of FIG. 5 loaded with articles and showing a divider structure;

FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or primary package.

FIGS. 4 to 7, illustrate alternative blanks 110; 210 capable of forming a carton or carrier (190, 290), for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles B.

The blanks 10; 110 each form a secondary package of the basket-carrier style for packaging at least article B.

The blank 210 forms a secondary package of the gable top style for packaging at least one article B.

The carriers 90; 190; 290 each form a tubular structure having opposed side and end walls which can be loaded through an upper, or lower, open end. The carriers 90; 190; 290 each comprise a base wall which closes the lower end of the tubular structure.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190; 290 for engaging and carrying articles B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles B (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10; 110; 210 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structures 90; 190; 290 described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 90; 190; 290 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10; 110; 210 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated the arrangement is a 2×4 matrix or array. In the illustrated embodiment two rows of four articles B are provided. The articles B are 16 oz (approx. 473 ml) aluminium bottles. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210 can be configured to form a carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration.

The present invention relates generally to a carton 90; 190; 290 for packaging articles B which carton 90; 190; 290 comprises an article engaging arrangement for engaging an article B. The embodiments described herein further comprise a viewing window arrangement or display window struck from a side wall; from at least one end wall; or from both a side wall and an end wall of the carton 90; 190; 290. The window presents, for view, a substantial portion of an article B contained within the carton 90; 190; 290, adjacent to a wall from which the window arrangement is struck.

Turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see FIG. 2) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 comprises a first outer end panel 12 (also referred to as “outer layer 12”), a first side panel 14, a second end panel 16, a second side panel 18, and a first inner end panel (also referred to as “securing panel 20” and “inner layer 20”). The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19.

The blank 10 comprises a first base panel 26 a hinged to the first side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 a. The blank 10 comprises a second base panel 26 b hinged to the second side panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 b.

The first and second base panels 26 a, 26 b are optionally engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 26 a/26 b of the carrier 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the first base panel 26 a to the second base panel 26 b. The first base panel 26 a may comprise at least one first part M of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 26 b may comprise at least one second part F of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 26 a comprises five male tabs M struck therefrom so as to be defined within the first base panel 26 a. Each of the male tabs M is hingedly connected to the first base panel 26 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line.

The second part F of the complementary locking mechanism forms a receiver. The receiver comprises an opening or slot for receiving the male tab M. The second base panel 26 b comprises five optional female tabs each defining an opening or slot in the second base panel 26 b; the female tabs forming at least part of the receiver. The openings in the second base panel 26 b are configured to receive respective ones of the male tabs M.

The female tabs are arranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 26 b to form said openings and to bear against the respective male tab M when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, the first and second base panels 26 a, 26 b may be secured to each other by any other suitable means, such as, but not limited to, adhesive or staples.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 26 a, 26 b may comprise at least one first aperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 26 a comprises three first apertures A1 and the second base panel 26 b comprises four first apertures A1. The first apertures A1 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component or tool may engage with the first apertures A1 to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 26 a, 26 b with respect to each other or to align the first part M of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The first base panel 26 a comprises a second aperture A2, a first portion of which is adapted to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 26 a, 26 b with respect to each other. In other embodiments the second aperture A2 may be provided in the second base panel 26 b or in part in each of the first and second base panels 26 a, 26 b.

The second aperture A2 comprises a second portion which forms an orientation adjustment device TA for enabling the orientation of an article B described in further detail below.

The blank 10 comprises a display window aperture W struck in part from the first side panel 14 and in part from the second end panel 16. In a set up carrier 90 the display window aperture W (also referred to as “display window W”) exposes to view a portion of an article B disposed adjacent thereto. The display window is provided about a corner of the tubular structure formed from the plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. The display window W exposes to view a portion of an article B disposed at one end of a first one of the rows of articles B.

The orientation adjustment device TA is arranged such that the article B displayed in the first display window W, located in the first side wall 14 and in the second end panel 16, can be controlled or adjusted.

The second aperture A2 is arranged to be in vertical registry with the article B which is disposed in the display window W. In the illustrated embodiment, the second aperture TA is arranged to be vertically aligned substantially with the display window W.

The first portion of the second aperture A2 may be shaped so as to comprise a “V” or “U” shaped cutaway portion which provides an alignment or assembly guide. This cutaway portion may be engaged by a tool, for example of a packaging machine. The cutaway portion may facilitate alignment of the first base panel 26 a with the second base panel 26 b when the carton 90 is assembled. It may facilitate pulling the first base panel 26 a towards the second base panel 26 b so as to increase the degree of overlap between the first and second base panels 26 a, 26 b such that the complementary locking mechanism may be properly employed.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a medial structure for dividing an interior of the carton 90 into separate compartments and for providing a carrying handle. The medial structure includes a first medial panel 22 and a second medial panel 24. The first medial panel 22 is hingedly connected at a first end to the first inner end panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21.

The second medial panel 24 is hingedly connected to the first medial panel 22 along a lower edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23.

The first and second medial panels 22, 24 form a divider extending longitudinally between the first inner and outer end panels 20/12 and the second end panel 16.

The first medial panel 22 provides a first handle structure H1. The second medial panel 24 provides a second handle structure H2. Together the first and second medial panels 22, 24 provide a two-ply handle structure, the second ply reinforcing the first ply.

The first handle structure H1 comprises a first handle opening. The first handle opening may be defined in part by a first handle aperture A2 struck from an upper portion of the first medial panel 22. The first handle structure H1 may comprise an optional first cushioning flap 32 struck from the first medial panel 22 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 31. The first cushioning flap 32 defines at least a part of the first handle opening.

The second handle structure H2 comprises a second handle opening. The second handle opening may be defined in part by a second handle aperture A3 struck from, or defined within, an upper portion (as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the second medial panel 24. The second handle structure H2 may comprise an optional second cushioning flap 34 struck from the second medial panel 24 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35. The second cushioning flap 34 defines at least a part of the second handle opening.

The second handle opening is arranged to be disposed in registry or alignment with the first handle opening.

The blank 10 comprises a medial partition glue flap 28 hingedly connected to the first medial panel 22 along a second end (the second end opposes the first end and the first end is defined by fold line 21) by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29.

The blank 10 comprises a first partition structure P1. The first partition structure P1 defines or creates a plurality of cells disposed between the first side panel 14 and the first medial panel 22. The first side panel 14 and the first medial panel 22, along with portions of the first and second end panels 12, 20, 16, define a tubular structure or first compartment on a first side of the medial structure.

The first compartment provides an interior for receiving at least a lower portion of one or more articles B.

An enlarged view of a portion of the first partition structure P1 is shown in FIG. 1. The first partition structure P1 comprises a first partition panel 50 struck from the first medial panel 22 and hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a second partition panel 54 struck from the first medial panel 22 and hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 55.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a third partition panel 58 struck from the first medial panel 22 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 59.

The first, second and third partition panels 50, 54, 58 are dimensioned to extend between the first medial panel 22 and the first side panel 14 in a set up condition (see FIG. 2).

The first partition structure P1 comprises a first glue panel 52 to which the first, second and third partition panels 50, 54, 58 are each coupled by distal end joints.

The third partition panel 58 is hingedly connected, at a second or distal end, to a first end of the first glue panel 52 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 57. Fold line 57 defines an outer end of the third partition panel 58 and fold line 59 defines an inner end of the third partition panel 58. A linear dimension is defined between fold line 57 and fold line 59.

Fold line 57 is collinear with fold line 55 in the blank 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

The second partition panel 54 is hingedly connected, at a second or distal end, to an intermediate portion of the first glue panel 52 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 53. Fold line 53 defines an outer end of the second partition panel 54 and fold line 55 defines an inner end of the second partition panel 54. A linear dimension is defined between fold line 53 and fold line 55.

Fold line 53 is collinear with fold line 51 in the blank 10.

The first partition panel 50 is separated from the first glue panel 52 by a cut line or severance line 71. The first partition panel 50 may be severably coupled to the first glue panel 52 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which interrupt the cut line or severance line 71.

The second partition panel 54 is separated from the first glue panel 52 by a cut line or severance line 73. The second partition panel 54 may be temporarily and severably coupled to the first glue panel 52 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which interrupt the cut line or severance line 73.

The third partition panel 58 and first glue panel 52 are defined in part by a cut line or severance line 75 b. The first partition panel 50, third partition panel 58 and first glue panel 52 are separated from the first medial panel 22 by the cut line or severance line 75 b. The first partition panel 50, third partition panel 58 and first glue panel 52 may be severably coupled to the first medial panel 22 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which interrupt the cut line or severance line 75 b.

The second partition panel 54 is separated from the first medial panel 22 by a cut line or severance line 75 c. The second partition panel 54 may be severably coupled to the first medial panel 22 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which interrupt the cut line or severance line 75 c.

The third partition panel 58 is separated from the first medial panel 22 by a further cut line or severance line 75 a. The third partition panel 58 may be severably coupled to the first medial panel 22 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which interrupt the cut line or severance line 75 a.

The first partition panel 50 is coupled, at a second or distal end, to the first glue panel 52 by a twistable strip 60. The twistable strip 60 is formed in part from a distal end portion of the first partition panel 50 and in part from a second end portion of the first glue panel 52. The twistable strip 60 extends between, and joins with, the first partition panel 50 and the first glue panel 52.

The first partition panel 50 has a length defined by a first distance. The first distance is defined by a linear dimension extending between a proximal end fold line 51 of the first partition panel 50 and a distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50. The first distance is generally equal to or less than a second distance defined as the distance between the first medial panel 22 and the first side wall panel 14 in a setup carrier 90.

The distal end portion of the first partition panel 50 is disposed in vertical alignment with the second end portion of the first glue panel 52 (in the blank 10).

The twistable strip 60 may form a single joint which connects between the distal end of the first partition panel 50 and the first glue panel 52.

The first glue panel 52 may comprise a glue-free region 65 along an end edge 64 thereof. The end edge 64 of the first glue panel 52 is continuous with the distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50. The glue-free region 65 extends along the distal end edge 63 into the first partition panel 50.

The glue-free region 65 extends continuously into the first partition panel 50.

The twistable strip 60 is defined at least in part by a tear stopper or element 62 disposed in at least one of the first partition panel 50 and the first glue panel 52.

The element 62 may take the form of a cutaway, extending in at least one of the first partition panel 50 and the first glue panel 52. The element 62 may be a cutline. The element 62 may be a nonlinear cutline or may be comprised of two or more divergently arranged linear cut lines. The element 62 may be arcuate or curvilinear. In some embodiments the element 62 may be an aperture, J-shaped cut, slot, slit, oval slot or frangible line. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the element 62 is a curved element 62 and extends into both the first partition panel 50 and the first glue panel 52. The curved element 62 comprises at least one terminal end which is spaced apart from an adjacent end edge of the twistable strip 60 provided by the end edge 64 of the first glue panel 52 or by the distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50 or by both the end edge 64 of the first glue panel 52 and the distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50.

The distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50 and the end edge 64 of the first glue panel 52 are arranged to be continuous and define an end edge 63/64 of the first partition structure P1.

The at least one terminal end and the adjacent end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60 define a third distance. The third distance is defined by a linear dimension extending between the at least one terminal end and the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60.

The third distance may be equal to or greater than the distance between the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60 and another part of the curved element 62.

The curved element 62 may be arranged such that at least one terminal end is directed away from the end edge 64 of the first glue panel 52, or from the distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50, or from both the end edge 64 of the first glue panel 52 and the distal end edge 63 of the first partition panel 50.

The cut line 71 separating the first partition panel 50 from the first glue panel 52 extends between the proximal end fold line 51 and the curved element 62. The curved element 62 may be formed from a C-shaped cut as illustrated in FIG. 1. In other embodiments the curved element 62 may be formed from a J-shaped cut, an oval slot or an aperture.

The glue-free region 65 includes at least an area defined between the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60 and a notional line X-X. The notional line X-X passes through the cut line 71 separating the first partition panel 50 from the first glue panel 52.

The notional line X-X may be spaced apart from the vertex or intersection between the cut line 71 and the curved element 62. The notional line X-X may be inset from said vertex or intersection.

The notional line X-X may be oriented perpendicular to the cut line 71.

The notional line X-X extends alongside the end edge 63, 64 of the first partition structure P1.

The notional line X-X may be oriented in parallel with the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60.

The notional line X-X may be oriented in parallel with the fold line 21 between the first medial panel and the first inner end panel 12.

The notional line X-X may pass through the at least one terminal end of the curved element 62. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A the notional line X-X passes through both terminal ends of the curved element 62. The notional line X-X extends along the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60.

The twistable strip 60 has a maximum width. In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum width is defined between the at least one terminal end and the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip 60. In other words, the maximum width of the twistable strip is the distance between the end edge 63, 64 of the twistable strip and the notional line X-X.

The twistable strip 60 is disposed at an elevation vertically offset from the distal end fold line 51.

In the illustrated embodiment the elevation of the twistable strip 60 is below the lower end of the distal end fold line 51. In other embodiments, the elevation of the twistable strip 60 may be above the upper end of the distal end fold line 51.

The first partition panel 50 comprises a proximal portion 72 connected to, or integral with, the first medial panel 22; an intermediate portion 74 joined to, or integral with, the proximal portion 72; and a distal portion 76 joined to, or integral with, the intermediate portion 74 and wherein the proximal and distal portions 72, 76 are disposed at their respective elevations vertically offset from each other.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a second partition structure P2. The second partition structure P2 defines a plurality of cells disposed between the second side panel 18 and the second medial panel 24. The second side panel 18 and the second medial panel 24 along with portions of the first and second end panels 12, 16 define a second tubular structure or compartment on a second side of the medial structure.

The second compartment provides an interior chamber for accommodating at least a lower portion of one or more articles B.

The second partition structure P2 comprises a fourth partition panel 40 struck from the second medial panel 24 and hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41.

The second partition structure P2 comprises a fifth partition panel 44 struck from the second medial panel 24 and hingedly connected thereto, at first or a proximal end, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 45.

The second partition structure P2 comprises a sixth partition panel 36/46 struck from the second medial panel 24 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of fold lines 37, 47. The sixth partition panel 36/46 comprises an upper partition panel 36 and a lower partition panel 46. The upper partition panel 36 is hingedly connected, at first or a proximal end, to the second medial panel 24 by fold line 37 and the lower partition panel 46 is hingedly connected, at first or a proximal end, to the second medial panel 24 by fold line 47.

The fourth, fifth and sixth partition panels 40, 44, 36/46 are dimensioned to extend between the second medial panel 24 and the second side panel 18 in a set up condition.

The second partition structure P2 comprises a second glue panel 42/48 to which the fourth and fifth partition panels 40, 44 are each coupled.

The fourth partition panel 40 is hingedly connected, at a second or distal end, to a first end of the glue panel 42 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 43. Fold line 43 defines an outer end of the fourth partition panel 40 and fold line 41 defines an inner end of the fourth partition panel 40.

The fifth partition panel 44 is hingedly connected, at a second or distal end, to an intermediate portion of the second glue panel 42/48 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 49. Fold line 49 defines an outer end of the fifth partition panel 44 and fold line 45 defines an inner end of the fifth partition panel 44.

Fold line 43 is collinear with fold line 45 in the blank 10.

The second glue panel 42/48 comprises a first portion 42 to which the fourth partition panel 40 is hingedly connected and a second portion 48 to which the fifth partition panel 44 is hingedly connected.

The upper partition panel 36 is separated from the lower partition panel 46 by the second glue panel 42/48.

The upper partition panel 36 is separated from the lower partition panel 46 by the second portion 48 of the second glue panel 42/48.

The upper partition panel 36 is coupled to the lower partition panel 46 by a glue flap 30. Glue flap 30 is hingedly connected to a second or distal end of the upper partition panel 36 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 33 b. Glue flap 30 is hingedly connected to a second or distal end of the lower partition panel 46 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 33 a.

The glue flap 30 may be unitary or integral with the second glue panel 42/48. In this way the glue flap 30 is joined to the second glue panel 42/48 in an uninterrupted fashion.

A cutline or severance line defines a lower edge of the fourth partition panel 40 and the second glue panel 42/48; the cutline separates the fourth partition panel 40 and a first portion 42 of the second glue panel 42/48 from the second medial panel 24, the cutline separates a second portion 48 of the second glue panel 42/48 from the lower partition panel 46.

A further cutline or severance line defines an upper edge of the fourth partition panel 40 and the first portion 42 of the second glue panel 42/48; the further cutline separates the fourth partition panel 40 from the second medial panel 24; and the further cutline separates the first portion 42 of the second glue panel 42/48 from the fifth partition panel 44.

Another cutline or severance line defines an upper edge of the fifth partition panel 44 and the second portion 48 of the second glue panel 42/48. This cutline separates the fifth partition panel 44 from the second medial panel 24; and separates the second portion 48 of the second glue panel 42/48 from the upper partition panel 36.

The upper partition panel 36 is separated, in part, from the second medial panel 24 by a first cut line or severance line 23 c.

The upper partition panel 36 is separated, in part, from the second medial panel 24 by a first cutaway R1 in the form of a notch, slot or recess. The first cutaway R1 is struck from an end portion of the blank 10.

The first cutaway R1 is arranged to be contiguous or co-operative with the first cut line 23 c.

The lower partition panel 46 is separated, in part, from the first medial panel 22 by a second cut line or severance line 23 b. At least a portion of the second cut line 23 b may arranged collinearly with the fold line 23 hinging the first and second medial panels 22, 24 to each other.

The lower partition panel 46 is separated, in part, from the first medial panel 22 by a second cutaway R2 in the form of a notch, slot or recess. The second cutaway R2 is struck from an end portion of the blank 10.

The second cutaway R2 may be offset from the portion of the second cut line 23 b which is collinear with the fold line 23. The second cutaway R2 is arranged to be contiguous or co-operative with the second cut line 23 b.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to one or both of the first and second medial panels 22, 24.

The second medial panel 24 is folded, with respect to the first medial panel 22 about fold line 23. The second medial panel 24 is secured to the first medial panel 22 in face contacting relationship therewith.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second glue panel 42/48. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the second side panel 18.

The first medial panel 22 (and consequently the second medial panel 24) is folded, with respect to the first inner end panel 20 about fold line 21. The second medial panel 24 is brought into face to face relationship with the second side panel 18 and the first inner end panel 20. The second glue panel 42/48 is secured to the second side panel 18 in face contacting relationship therewith.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first glue panel 52. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the first side panel 14.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the medial partition glue flap 28. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the second end panel 16.

The second side panel 18, together with the first and second medial panels 22, 24, is folded about the fold line 17 to bring the first medial panel 22 into face to face relationship with the second end panel 16 and the first side panel 14.

The medial partition glue flap 28 is secured to the second end panel 16.

The first glue panel 52 is secured to the first side panel 14.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first inner end panel 20. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of the first outer end panel 12.

The first outer end panel 12 is folded about the fold line 13 so as to be disposed in face to face relationship with the first inner end panel 20.

The first outer end panel 12 is secured to the first inner end panel 20. In this way a flat collapsed tubular structure is formed.

A flat collapsed carrier is thereby formed; the flat collapsed carrier can be readily shipped or distributed in the flat condition to a plant for erecting and loading with primary product containers.

The flat collapsed carrier can be opened into a basket-style article carrier by separating the first and second side panels 14, 18 to form a tubular structure defined by the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. The main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 define an interior chamber. The partition structures P1, P2 are automatically erected when the flat collapsed carrier is opened out or erected into the tubular form.

Once the carrier 90 is erected, the first and second medial panels 22, 24 form a partition, that is disposed medially within the interior of the carrier 90 formed by the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. The partition divides the interior of the carrier 90 into two separate compartments on opposing sides of the first and second medial panels 22, 24.

The first partition structure P1 is automatically erected to form a first plurality of cells in a first compartment disposed on a first side of the first and second medial panels 22, 24.

The second partition structure P2 is automatically erected to form a second plurality of cells in a second compartment disposed on a second side of the first and second medial panels 22, 24.

The carrier 90 may be loaded with a group of articles B; in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 eight articles B are arranged in a 4×2 array.

The group of articles B may be loaded through a lower end of the tubular structure formed by the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 prior to folding the first and second base panel 26 a, 26 b. Alternatively, the group of articles B may be loaded through an upper end of the tubular structure subsequent to assembly of the composite base panel 26 a, 26 b.

The second base panel 26 b is folded with respect to the second side panel 18 about fold line 25 b. The first base panel 26 a is folded with respect to the first side panel 14 about fold line 25 a. The first base panel 26 a is brought into face contacting relationship with the second base panel 26 b. The first base panel 26 a is disposed in at least partial overlapping relationship with the second base panel 26 b.

Each of the first parts M of the complementary locking mechanism is aligned with a respective one of the second parts F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first parts M of the complementary locking mechanism are folded inwardly of the interior of the carrier such that they are received by the second parts F of the complementary locking mechanism, when the second parts F of the complementary locking mechanism comprises female tabs these are also folded inwardly and may bear against the first parts M of the complementary locking mechanism.

The corner article B, which is exposed to view through the first side wall 14 and second end wall 16 by the display window W, can be oriented to a desired orientation by inserting a tool through the orientation device TA in the first base panel 26A so as to elevate the article B.

A tool 80, see FIG. 3, is inserted through the base wall 26A/26B, passing through the opening of the orientation adjustment device TA, the opening being disposed below the article. The tool 80 lifts or elevates the article B such that a rotation device (not shown) can engage the article B to rotate the article B to a desired orientation.

When the article B is elevated, an upper portion passes through the open end of the tubular structure defined by the side and end walls 12, 14, 16, 18, and is external of the tubular structure. The upper end of the article B may also be disposed above the upper end of the medial partition wall 22/24. In this second deployed position the article B is readily accessible. The orientation of the article B may be adjusted in the deployed position, upon reaching the desired orientation the article B may be returned to the rest position.

Once the article B is disposed in the desired orientation it is lowered to a position of rest upon the base wall 26A/26B, the tool 80 is withdrawn from the opening of the orientation adjustment device TA.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 7, there are shown alternative embodiments of the present invention. In the second and third illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”; “200” and so forth to indicate that these features belong to the second and third embodiments respectively. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment, and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described in any greater detail.

Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a blank 110 according to a third embodiment for forming the carrier 190 shown in FIG. 5.

The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 comprises a first outer end panel 112 (also referred to as “outer layer 112”), a first side panel 114, a second end panel 116, a second side panel 118, and a first inner end panel or securing panel 120 (also referred to as “inner layer 120”). The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by a corner or bevel panel B1, B2, B3, B4. Each bevel panel B1, B2, B3, B4 is defined by a pair fold lines 113A/113B, 115A/115B, 117A/117B, 119A/119B.

The blank 110 comprises a first base panel 126A hinged to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125A. The blank 110 comprises a second base panel 126B hinged to the second side panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 125B.

The first and second base panels 126A, 126B are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 126A/126B of the carrier 190. The blank 110 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the first base panel 126A to the second base panel 126B.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 126A, 126B may comprise at least one first aperture A7. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 126A comprises four first apertures A7 and the second base panel 126B comprises three first apertures A7. The first apertures A7 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 190. A packaging machine component or tool may engage with the first apertures A7 to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 26A, 126B with respect to each other or to align the first part M of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part F of the complementary locking mechanism.

The blank 110 comprises a first display window aperture A1 struck from the first end panel 112. In a set up carrier the first display window aperture A1 exposes to view a portion of at least one article B disposed adjacent thereto. The first display window aperture A1 exposes to view a portion of the endmost articles B disposed in each row of articles B proximate the first end panel 112.

The blank 110 comprises a complementary aperture A4 struck from at least the inner end panel 120. The complementary aperture A4 and first display window aperture A1 together form a first window W1 in the first end wall 112 of the carrier 190.

The blank 110 comprises a second display window aperture A2 struck from the second end panel 116. In a set up carrier the second display window aperture A2 exposes to view a portion of at least one article B disposed adjacent thereto. The second display window aperture A2 exposes to view a portion of the endmost articles B disposed in each row of articles B proximate the second end panel 116. The second display window aperture A2 forms a second window W2 in the second end wall 116 of the carrier 190.

The blank 110 comprises a third display window formed in part from a third display window aperture A1 and in part from a tab 146. The tab 146 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 118 by a fold line 149 so as to be foldable with respect to the second side panel 118. The tab 146 is struck from the second side panel 118 so as to be defined therein.

The second base panel 126B comprises a second aperture A8, a first portion of which is adapted to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 126A, 126B with respect to each other.

The second aperture A8 comprises a second portion which forms an orientation adjustment device TA for enabling the orientation of an article B.

The orientation adjustment device TA is arranged such that the relative orientation of the article B displayed in the third display window D in the second side wall 118 can be controlled or adjusted.

The second aperture A8 is arranged to be in vertical registry with the article B which is disposed in the third display window D.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second aperture A8 is arranged to be vertically aligned substantially with the third display window D.

The first portion of the second aperture A8 may be shaped so as to comprise a “V” or “U” shaped cutaway portion which provides an alignment or assembly guide. This cutaway portion may be engaged by a tool for example of a packaging machine. The cutaway portion may facilitate alignment of the first base panel 126A with the second base panel 126B when the carton 190 is assembled. It may facilitate pulling the first base panel 126A towards the second base panel 126B so as to increase the degree of overlap between the first and second base panels 126A, 126B such that the complementary locking mechanism may be employed.

Optionally, the blank 110 comprises a medial structure including a first medial panel 122 and a second medial panel 124.

The first medial panel 122 is hingedly connected at a first end to the first inner end panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 121.

The second medial panel 124 is hingedly connected to the first medial panel 122 along a lower edge thereof by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123.

The first and second medial panels 122, 124 form a divider which extends longitudinally between the first inner and outer end panels 120/112 and the second end panel 116, when the blank 110 is assembled into a carton 190.

The first medial panel 122 provides a first handle structure H1. The second medial panel 124 provides a second handle structure H2. Together the first and second medial panels 122, 124 provide a two-ply handle structure, the second ply reinforcing the first ply.

The first handle structure H1 comprises a first handle opening.

The first handle opening may be defined in part by a first handle aperture A5 struck from an upper portion of the first medial panel 122.

The first handle structure H1 may comprise an optional first cushioning flap 132 struck from the first medial panel 122 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 131. The first cushioning flap 132 defines at least a part of the first handle opening.

The second handle structure H2 comprises a second handle opening.

The second handle opening may be defined in part by a second handle aperture A6 struck from, or defined within, an upper portion of the second medial panel 124.

The second handle structure H2 may comprise an optional second cushioning flap 134 struck from the second medial panel 124 and hinged thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135. The second cushioning flap 134 defines at least a part of the second handle opening.

The second handle opening is arranged to be disposed in registry or alignment with the first handle opening.

The blank 110 comprises a pair of medial partition glue flaps 128A, 128B hingedly connected to the first medial panel 122 along a second end, (the second end opposes the first end and the first end is defined by fold line 121) by respective hinged connections in the form of fold lines 129A, 129B.

The pair of medial partition glue flaps 128A, 128B are separated from each other so as to be spaced apart. A cutaway or recess R separates or interrupts the medial partition glue flaps 128A, 128B. The cutaway or recess R extends into the first medial panel 122.

The blank 110 comprises a first partition structure P1. The first partition structure P1 defines or creates a plurality of cells disposed between the first side panel 114 and the first medial panel 122. The first side panel 114 and the first medial panel 122 along with portions of the first and second end panels 112/120, 116 define a tubular structure or first compartment on a first side of the medial structure.

The first compartment provides an interior for receiving at least a lower portion of one or more articles B.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a first partition panel 152 struck from the first medial panel 122 and hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 153.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a second partition panel 154 struck from the first medial panel 122 and hingedly connected thereto, at first or a proximal end, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 157.

The first and second partition panels 152, 154 are dimensioned to extend between the first medial panel 122 and the first side panel 114 in a set up condition.

The first partition structure P1 comprises a first glue panel 150 to which the first and second partition panels 152, 154 are each coupled by distal end joints.

The first partition panel 152 is hingedly connected, at a second or distal end, to an intermediate portion of the first glue panel 150 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 151. Fold line 151 defines an outer end of the first partition panel 152; fold line 153 defines an inner end of the first partition panel 152; and a linear dimension is defined between fold lines 151 and 153.

The second partition panel 154 is hingedly connected, at a second or distal end, to an end of the first glue panel 150 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 155. Fold line 155 defines an outer end of the second partition panel 154; fold line 157 defines an inner end of the second partition panel 154; and a linear dimension is defined between fold lines 155 and 157.

Fold line 153 is collinear with fold line 155 in the blank 10.

The first partition panel 152 is separated from the first glue panel 150 along or by a cut line or severance line 161. The first partition panel 152 may be severably coupled to the first glue panel 150 by one or more connecting portions or nicks N which interrupt the cut line or severance line 161.

The first partition panel 152 has a length defined by a first distance, the first distance is defined by a linear dimension extending between a proximal end fold line 153 of the first partition panel 152 and a distal end fold line 151 of the first partition panel 152. The first distance is generally equal to or less than a second distance. The second distance is defined as the length between the first medial panel 122 and the first side wall panel 114 in a setup carrier 190.

Optionally, the blank 110 comprises a second partition structure P2. The second partition structure P2 defines a plurality of cells disposed between the second side panel 118 and the second medial panel 124. The second side panel 118 and the second medial panel 124 along with portions of the first and second end panels 112, 116 define a second tubular structure or compartment on a second side of the medial structure.

The second compartment provides an interior chamber for accommodating at least a lower portion of one or more articles B.

The second partition structure P2 comprises a fourth partition panel 140 struck from the second medial panel 124 and hingedly connected thereto, at a first or proximal end, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 141.

The second partition structure P2 comprises a fifth partition panel 144A/144B struck from the second medial panel 124 and hingedly connected thereto, at first or a proximal end, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 145.

The fourth partition panel 140 is dimensioned to extend between the second medial panel 124 and the second side panel 118 in a set up condition.

The second partition structure P2 comprises a second glue panel 142 to which the fourth partition panel 140 is coupled.

The fourth partition panel 140 is hingedly connected, at a second or distal end, to a first end of the second glue panel 142 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 143. Fold line 143 defines an outer end of the fourth partition panel 140, fold line 141 defines an inner end of the fourth partition panel 140.

The fifth partition panel 144A/144B (also referred to herein as “divider flap 144A/144B”) is defined in part by a cut line or severance line 123B which defines a lower edge thereof. The severance line 123B or part thereof may be collinear with fold line 123 hinging the second medial panel 124 to the first medial panel 122.

The fifth partition panel 144A/144B comprises a fold line 147 extending substantially parallel to the fold line 145 hinging the fifth partition panel 144A/144B to the second medial panel 124. The fold line 147 divides the fifth partition panel 144A/144B into: a first part 144A; and a second part 144B.

The second part 144B is configured to be secured to the tab 146 to form a partition panel 144B/146 which extends between the second medial panel 124 and the second side panel 118; (see FIGS. 5 and 5A).

Optionally, the first part 144A may comprises at least one additional fold line 139 which extends substantially parallel to the fold line 147.

The fold line 147 (and additional fold line 139 when provided) allows the divider flap 144A/144B to fold thereabout when the carton 190 is set up. This enables the location of the fold line 149 hinging the tab 146 to the second side panel 118 to be located in a more desirable location. In this way the width and/or position of the window D (see FIG. 5) can be adjusted as desired to display the adjacent window article. The provision of the fold line 147 may also enable the divider structure 1446/146 to absorb, or compensate for, the slack created due to the beveled corner panels B1-B4. The divider structure 144A/144B/146 can be positioned so as to be located between a pair or articles B in a set up condition and the blank 110 is configured such that the divider structure 144A/144B/146 can be folded into a flat collapsed condition and also automatically erected. The fold lines 147, 139 may provide relief in the blank structure 110 during the erection process.

The blank 110 is foldable to form a package 190 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5A. The blank 110 forms a carton 190 for holding a plurality of articles B. The carton 190 comprises a plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 126A, 126B, B1, B2, B3, B4 that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton 190. The plurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 126A, 126B, B1, B2, B3, B4 comprise at least one bottom panel 126A, 126B, a back panel 114 or first side panel 114; a front panel 118 or second side panel 118; and at least two end panels 112, 116. A partition wall 122/124 divides the interior of the carton 190 into: a front portion or first side chamber; and a back portion or second side chamber. The carton 190 comprises at least one lateral divider hingedly connected to the partition wall 122/124 and extending to one of the back and front panels 114, 118. The at least one lateral divider is spaced apart from the least two end panels 112, 116 to divide one of the front and back portions of the carton interior into at least two article-receiving spaces or cells. The at least one lateral divider comprises a first flap 144A/144B formed at least in part from the partition wall 122/124 and a second flap 146 struck from the one of the back and front panels 114, 118. The second flap 146 defines at least in part a window D in the one of the back and front panels 114, 118. The second flap 146 is hingedly connected to the one of the back and front panels 114, 118 and extends towards the partition wall 122/124. The first flap 144A/1448 comprises a securing portion 144B which is attached in face contacting relationship to the second flap 146. The first flap 144A/144B comprises a bevelled portion 144A hingedly connected to the securing portion 144B. The bevelled portion 144A extends to the partition wall 122/124. The bevelled portion 144A is disposed obliquely to the securing portion 144B and to the partition wall 122/124 and is hingedly connected to the partition wall 122/124.

The article B which is exposed to view through the second side wall 118 (front panel 118) by the display window D can be oriented to a desired orientation by inserting a tool through the orientation device TA provided in the second base panel 126B. This elevates the article B in the same way as the articles B of the previous embodiment. In some embodiments, the articles B displayed in the end panel windows W1 (formed by the apertures A1, A2) may also be oriented to a desired orientation, the base panel 126A/126B may comprises additional orientation devices TA to facilitate this.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown a blank 210 according to a third embodiment for forming the carrier 290 shown in FIG. 7. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 hinged one to the next in a linear series. A first side panel 212 is hinged to a first end wall panel 214 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 213. The first end wall panel 214 is hinged to a second side wall panel 216 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 215. The second side wall panel 216 is hinged to a second end wall panel 218 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 217. The second end wall panel 218 is hinged to a securing panel 220 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 219.

The plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 of the blank 210 form walls of a tubular structure in a set up condition. The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure structures.

Each of the ends of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure panels 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B which, in the illustrated embodiment, form a top wall and a bottom wall of the tubular structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by end closure panels 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B.

End closure panels 222A, 224A are configured to close a first, upper, end of the tubular structure and form a composite top panel 222A/224A of a carton 290.

End closure panels 222B, 224B are configured to close a second, lower, end of the tubular structure and form a composite base panel 222B/224B of a carton 290.

A first end closure panel 222A forms a first top panel 222A and is hingedly connected to a first end of the first side wall panel 212 by a fold line 23A. A second end closure panel 224A forms a second top panel 224A and is hingedly connected to a first end of the second side wall panel 216 by a fold line 225A.

A third end closure panel 222B forms a first base panel 222B and is hingedly connected to a second end of the first side wall panel 212 by a fold line 23B. A fourth end closure panel 224B forms a second base panel 224B and is hingedly connected to a second end of the second side wall panel 216 by a fold line 225B.

The blank 210 comprises a complementary locking system for securing the first base panel 222B to the second base panel 224B. The second base panel 224B comprises at least one female component F in the form of an aperture defined by a tab. The tab is struck from the first base panel 222B and is hingedly connected thereto. In the illustrated embodiment the first base panel 222B comprises a plurality of female components F for example, but not limited to, six female components F.

The first base panel 222B comprises at least one male component M in the form of a punch tab. The punch tab is substantially arrowhead-shaped and comprises shoulders or barbs for interlocking with the aperture of the female component F.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 222B, 224B each comprise at least one handling aperture A1, A2.

Optionally, the blank 210 comprises a plurality of handling apertures A1, A2 for facilitating construction of the composite base panel 222B/224B. Two first handling apertures A1 are struck from the first base panel 222B. One first handling aperture A1 is struck from the second base panel 224B. Two second handling apertures A2 are struck from the first base panel 222B. Three second handling apertures A2 are struck from the second base panel 224B.

The first handling apertures A1 are optionally substantially triangular in shape and facilitate assembly of the composite base panel 222B/224B.

The second handling apertures A2 comprise a first portion shaped so as to form a “V” or “U” shaped cutaway portion which provides an alignment or assembly guide. This cutaway portion may be engaged by a tool for example of a packaging machine. The cutaway portion may facilitate alignment of the first base panel 222Ba with the second base panel 224B when the carton 290 is assembled about a group of articles B. It may facilitate pulling the first base panel 222B towards the second base panel 224B so as to increase the degree of overlap between the first and second base panels 222B, 224B such that the complementary locking mechanism may be employed.

The handling apertures A1, A2 may facilitate placing the first and second base panels 222B, 224B in at least partial overlapping relationship with one another.

The handling apertures A1, A2 may be engaged by a tool to facilitate alignment of the first base panel 222B with respect to the second base panel 224B, may also facilitate alignment of the male components M in vertical registry or alignment with the female components F, and may also be employed to tighten the carton 290.

The second handling apertures A2 each comprise a second portion which forms an orientation adjustment device TA for enabling the orientation of an article B substantially similar to that described above. The second portion enables a tool to pass through the composite base panel 222B/224B so as to lift an article B disposed thereabove. The article B in the elevated position may be grasped by a further tool or gripper capable of rotating the article B about its vertical or cylindrical axis, the tool may comprise a sensor such as but not limited to a camera to monitor or determine the orientation of the elevated article with respect to a display window.

Optionally, the first side wall panel 212 comprises a first fold line 231. First fold line 231 divides the first side wall panel 214 into an upper portion 212U and a lower portion 212L. The second side wall panel 216 comprises an optional second fold line 233. Second fold line 233 divides the second side wall panel 218 into an upper portion 216U and a lower portion 216L. The first and second fold lines 231, 233 are arranged collinearly with each other. In other embodiments, the first and second end wall panels 214, 218 may comprise additional fold lines dividing the end walls into upper and lower portions.

The first and second fold lines 231, 233 facilitate the formation of the blank 210 into a carton 290 having a gable top. Optionally, the composite top panel 222A/224A may be smaller in a transverse direction (the transverse direction extends between the first and second side panels 212, 216) than the composite base panel 222B/224B.

The upper portion 212U of the first side panel 212 is convergently arranged in a set up carton 290 with respect to the upper portion 216U of the second side panel 216. The upper portion 212U of the first side panel 212 and the upper portion 216U of the second side panel 216 converge towards the composite top panel 222A/224A.

An upper portion of the second end panel 218 is convergently arranged in a set up carton 290 with respect to an upper portion of the first end panel 214. The upper portion converges with respect to the upper portion towards the composite top panel 222A/224A.

The first end panel 214 comprises a first web structure struck from an upper portion thereof. The first end panel 214 comprises a second web structure struck from an upper portion thereof. The second end panel 218 comprises a third web structure struck from an upper portion thereof. The second end panel 218 comprises a fourth web structure struck from an upper portion thereof.

The first web structure comprises a first web panel 232A struck from the upper portion of the first end panel 214. The first web panel 232A is hinged to the first end panel 214 by a fold line 235A. The first web panel 232A is hinged to the first side panel 212 by a portion of the fold line 213. The fold line 235A is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 213. The fold line 235A and the fold line 213 diverge with respect to each other towards an upper free edge of the first end panel 214. The first web panel 232A is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

The second web structure comprises a second web panel 232B struck from the upper portion of the first end panel 214. The second web panel 232B is hinged to the first end panel 214 by a fold line 235B. The second web panel 232B is hinged to the second side panel 216 by a portion of the fold line 215. The fold line 235B is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 215. The fold line 235B and the fold line 215 diverge with respect to each other towards an upper free edge of the first end panel 214. The second web panel 232B is substantially triangular in shape.

The third web structure comprises a third web panel 234A struck from the upper portion of the second end panel 218. The third web panel 234A is hinged to the second end panel 218 by a fold line 237A. The third web panel 234A is hinged to the second side panel 216 by a portion of the fold line 217. The fold line 237A is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 217. The fold line 237A and the fold line 217 diverge with respect to each other towards an upper free edge of the second end panel 218. The third web panel 234A is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

The fourth web structure comprises a fourth web panel 234B struck from the upper portion of the second end panel 218. The fourth web panel 234B is hinged to the second end panel 218 by a fold line 237B. The fourth web panel 234B is hinged to the securing panel 220 by a portion of the fold line 219. The fold line 237B is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 219. The fold line 237A and the fold line 219 diverge with respect to each other towards an upper free edge of the second end panel 218. The fourth web panel 234B is substantially triangular in shape.

The blank 210 comprises at least one product display structure D, W1, W2, see FIG. 7.

The blank 210 comprises a first product display structure D in at least one side wall panels 212, 216 thereof, in other embodiments the blank 210 comprises first product display structure D in both side wall panels 212, 216.

The first product display structure D comprises a first tab 240 struck from, and hingedly connected, to the second side panel 216, and a second tab 242 struck from, and hingedly connected, to the second side panel 216. The first tab 240 is hinged to the second side panel 216 by a fold line 241. The fold line 241 is non-linear and is optionally arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 241 is formed from two, or more, contiguous linear sections arranged divergently with respect to each other. The second tab 242 is hinged to the second side panel 216 by a fold line 245. The fold line 245 is non-linear and is optionally arcuate in shape. In the illustrated embodiment the fold line 245 is formed from two, or more, contiguous linear sections arranged divergently with respect to each other. A part of the first tab 240 is separated from a part of the second tab 242 by a cut line 243.

The first product display structure D may comprise a first slot, cutaway or aperture A5. The first aperture A5 defines in part the first and second tabs 240, 242. The first aperture A5 defines a lower edge of each of the first and second tabs 240, 242. In other embodiments the first aperture A5 may be replaced with a cut line or severance line. The first aperture A5 or at least a portion thereof separates a portion of the first tab 240 from a portion of the second tab 242.

The first product display structure D comprises a second slot, cutaway or aperture A6. The second aperture A6 defines in part the first and second tabs 240, 242. The second aperture A6 defines an upper edge of each of the first and second tabs 240, 242. In other embodiments the second aperture A6 may be replaced with a cut line or severance line.

The blank 210 comprises a first window aperture A3 struck in part from the second end panel 218 and in part from the second side panel 216 and in part from the securing panel 220. A cutaway or recess R is struck from the first side panel 212. The recess R is struck from a free side edge which opposes the hinged connection 213 between the first side panel 212 and the first end panel 214. The recess R is shaped so as to complementary to the first window aperture A3. Together the first window aperture A3 and the recess R form a further display structure W2 in the carrier 290.

The blank 210 comprises a second window aperture A4 struck in part from the first end panel 214 and in part from the first side panel 212 and in part from the second side panel 216. The second window aperture A4 forms another display structure W1 in the carrier 290.

The carton 290 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 290 may not be required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Turning to the construction of the carton 290 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the securing panel 220 is folded about fold line 219 to overly the second end panel 218. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the securing panel 220. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of the second end panel 218.

The blank 210 is folded about the fold line 215 such that the first end panel 214 is disposed in overlying relationship with the second side panel 216, and the first side panel 212 is disposed in overlying relationship with the second end panel 218, the securing panel 220 and a portion of the second side panel 216. The first side panel 212 is secured to the securing panel 220.

The blank 210 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a convertor plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected into an open ended tubular structure and loaded with articles.

The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form an open ended tubular structure by displacement or translation of the first side panel 212 relative to the second side panel 216 such that the first side panel 212 is spaced apart from the second side panel 216. In some embodiments this may be achieved by unfolding one of the side panels 212, 216 with respect to one of the adjacent end panels 214, 218. For example, the first end panel 214 may be unfolded about fold line 215 with respect to the second side panel 216; in doing so, the first end panel 214 is folded about fold line 213 with respect to the first side panel 212.

When the flat collapsed tubular structure is erected into the tubular form the first display structure D may be formed by folding the first and second, tabs 240, 242 with respect to the second side pane 216 to which they are hinged.

The carton 290 may be loaded with articles through one of the open ends by relative movement of the carton 290 with respect to a group of articles B. In some embodiments the lower end of the carton 290 may be closed before loading with articles B, the carton 290 being top loaded—that is to say articles B are inserted through the open upper end.

The orientation of the articles B that are disposed adjacent the openings of the display structures D, W1, W2 may be adjusted as required to a desired orientation with respect to the window whilst loaded in the carton 290 prior to closure of the top panels 222A, 224A.

A tool can be inserted through the base wall 222B/224B, passing through the respective opening of the orientation adjustment device TA disposed below the articles being adjusted.

The tool lifts or elevates the article B such that a rotation device can engage the article to rotate the article to a desired orientation.

When the article B is moved an upper portion passes through the open end of the tubular structure defined by the side and end walls 212, 214, 216, 218 and is external of the tubular structure. In this second deployed position the article B is readily accessible. The top panels 222A, 224A may be bent of folded outwardly to facilitate access to the articles B when in the elevated position. The orientation of the article B may be adjusted in the deployed position, upon reaching the desired orientation the article B may be returned to the rest position.

Once the articles B are disposed in the desired orientation they are lowered to a position of rest upon the base wall 212/220, the tool is withdrawn from the opening of the orientation adjustment device TA.

The composite top panel 222A, 224A is then assembled by folding the first top panel 222A about fold line 223A. The second top panel 224A is then folded about fold line 225A into face contacting relationship with the first top panel 222A; the second top panel 224A secured to the first top panel 222A.

In some embodiments the composite top panel 222A, 224A is assembled by application of glue G or other adhesive treatment to an outer surface of the second top panel 224A. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of the first top panel 222A.

When the composite top panel 222A, 224A is assembled the first, second, third and fourth web panels 232A, 232B, 234A, 234B are folded into face to face relationship with a respective one of the side panels 212, 216 to which they are hinged. In doing so upper portions of the first and second end panels 214, 218 are deformed or bent about the inwardly with respect to the respective adjacent lower portions. In this way each of the opposing ends of the carton 290 are erected so as to have upper portions which taper inwardly towards the composite top panel 222A, 224A.

The upper portions 212U, 216U of the first and second side panels 212, 216 are folded about the respective fold lines 231, 233 to the respective adjacent lower portions 212L, 216L. In this way each of the opposing upper portions 212U, 216U of the side wall 212, 216 of the carton 290 are erected so as to taper inwardly towards the composite top panel 222A, 224A.

Once the carton 290 has been loaded with articles B the upper open end of the carton 290 is closed. The upper open end may be closed as described in the foregoing paragraphs. The lower end may be closed by assembly of the composite base panel 222B, 224B.

The composite base panel 222B, 224B is formed by folding the first base panel 222B about fold line 23B and by folding the second base panel 224B about fold line 225B into at least partial overlapping relationship with the first base panel 222B. The male components M are brought into vertical registry or alignment with the female components F.

The punch tabs M in the second base panel 224B are displaced inwardly of the carton 290 so as to press the tabs F provided in the first base panel 222B out of the plane of the first base panel 222B. The punch tabs M are received in apertures in the first base panel 222B created by said displacement of the tabs F. In this way the first and second base panels 222B, 224B are secured together.

In other embodiments alternative securing means may be employed to secure the first and second base panels 222B, 224B for example, but not limited to, mechanical locking devices such as staples, glue or other adhesive treatment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled carton 290 forming a package with a plurality of articles B.

In the erected condition, the web panels 232A, 232B, 234A, 234B are disposed in an overlying or face to face relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 212, 216.

When the carton is erected the upper portions 212U, 216U of the side panels 212, 216, are folded with respect to the lower portions 212L, 216L such that the upper portions 212U, 216U taper inwardly towards the composite top panel 222A/224A. Upper portions of the first and second end panels 214, 218 converge inwardly towards the composite top panel 222A/224A.

The first tab 240 and the second tab 242 of the first product display structure D are disposed internally of the carton 290 and form a partition structure 240/242 which at least partially separates an article B disposed adjacent the first product display structure D from its adjacent neighbours. The first tab 240 and the second tab 242 of the first product display structure D form a frame about the article being displayed in the display window of the first product display structure D.

The first tab 240 and the second tab 242 in the erected state are non-planar; that is to say they are not flat surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tab 240 and the second tab 242 may each comprise two or more planar portions folded with respect to each other. In other embodiments, the first tab 240 and the second tab 242 form into plane curves; that is to say, they comprise a curved surface.

The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 for packaging articles B; the carton 90; 190; 290 may have at least one display window for presentation of an article B therein. The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a base wall, and a second side wall, optionally hingedly connected to each other in a linear series.

The cartons 90; 190; 290 may comprise at least one display window W, D, W1, W2 defined in or by an end or side wall.

The display window W, W1, W2 may expose to view a pair of endmost articles B, particularly a label or other indicia printed or otherwise displayed on a lower or main body portion of the articles B.

The articles B comprise a main body and a neck portion disposed above the main body; the neck portion comprises a smaller dimension or diameter than the main body. A shoulder region provides a transition between the main body and the neck portion. The display window is arranged such that a portion of the side or end wall obscures from view at least the neck of portion thereof. In some embodiments, the shoulder region or an upper portion of the main body or both may be obscured from view. A lower portion, heel or base of the article B may be obscured from view.

The second display window DW1, DW2 is defined in part by free side edge portions of each of the first and second side walls 214 a, 218 a.

In this way branding or other indicia provided upon the articles B may be displayed through the display window W, D, W1, W2. The articles B may be arranged in a desired orientation. The displaceable flaps 240, 242 may bear against an article B so as to prevent or inhibit rotation of the article B away from the desired orientation.

The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises an orientation adjustment device for enabling the orientation of an article B which is at least partially exposed to view through the display window. The orientation adjustment device comprises a first cutaway in the form of an aperture or opening in a first panel of the carton. The first panel may be a base panel. The first cutaway is configured to allow access to a first end, optionally a base portion, of an article B. The first cutaway is configured to prevent the first end of the article B passing therethrough.

The top wall of the carton may be shorter than the base wall in a transverse direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels.

The present disclosure further provides a method of packaging articles or a method of assembling a carton, in which the method enables the position of one or more articles, or the orientation of said one or more articles, or both the position and orientation of said one or more articles, to be adjusted and optionally secured or held whilst within the carton.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture. 

1. A carton for holding a plurality of articles, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the panels comprising: at least one bottom panel; a front panel; a back panel; and at least two end panels; a partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion; and at least one lateral divider hingedly connected to the partition wall and extending to one of the front and back panels and spaced apart from the at least two end panels to divide one of the front and back portions into at least two article-receiving spaces; the at least one lateral divider comprising: a first flap formed at least in part from the partition wall; and a second flap struck from the one of the front and back panels to define a window in the one of the front and back panels; wherein the second flap is hingedly connected to the one of the front and back panels and extends towards the partition wall, the first flap comprises: a securing portion attached to the second flap in face contacting relationship; and a beveled portion hingedly connected to the securing portion and extending to the partition wall, the bevelled portion being hingedly connected to the partition wall and being disposed obliquely to the securing portion and to the partition wall.
 2. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure and a bottom wall for closing the lower end of the tubular structure, the tubular structure including: a first end wall; a first side wall; a second end wall; and a second side wall; a display window defined at least in the first side wall for display of at least one article; and a bottom opening defined, at least, in the bottom wall; wherein the bottom opening is vertically aligned with the at least one article when the at least one article is received in the carton such that the at least one article is accessible through the bottom opening to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom wall.
 3. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the bottom opening is vertically aligned substantially with the display window.
 4. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the tubular structure comprises an open upper end.
 5. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the carton is a basket-style carrier.
 6. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the carton comprises a partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion, the partition wall extending through the open upper end.
 7. A carton according to claim 4 comprising at least one article having a top end, wherein the partition wall comprises an upper end disposed at an elevation above open upper end and above top end of the at least one article.
 8. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the at least one article comprises a top closure defining the top end of the article.
 9. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the carton is a crate-style carrier.
 10. A carton according to claim 2 comprising a top wall which fully closes the open end of the tubular structure.
 11. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the carton comprises: a partition wall dividing the interior of the carton into a front portion and a back portion; and at least one lateral divider hingedly connected to the partition wall and extending to one of the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the least two end walls to divide one of the front and back portions into at least two article-receiving spaces; the at least one lateral divider comprising: a first flap formed at least in part from the partition wall; and a second flap struck from the one of the first and second side walls to define a window in the one of the first and second side walls; wherein the second flap is hingedly connected to the one of the first and second side walls and extends towards the partition wall, the first flap comprises: a securing portion attached to the second flap in face contacting relationship; and a bevelled portion hingedly connected to the securing portion and extending to the partition wall, the bevelled portion being hingedly connected to the partition wall and being disposed obliquely to the securing portion and to the partition wall.
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a bottom panel for closing the lower end of the tubular structure, the plurality of panels includes: a first end wall panel, a first side wall panel, a second end wall panel and a second side wall panel, the blank comprises a display window defined at least in the first side wall panel for display of at least one article and a bottom opening defined, at least, in the bottom panel, the bottom opening is vertically aligned with the display window such that when the blank is in a set up condition, an article is accessible through the bottom opening to be raised and lowered with respect to the bottom wall. 